Mourner's Kaddish (a prayer for the dead)

The poem begins AFTER the Hebrew version...and that photo. Don't fret, I can't read it either. Don't run away from the transliteration, though...It's readable if you dare. Let's give it a shot...

                 

 

 

 

I’m alone I’m alone (like before)

yes alone, yet alone, so alone

I’m alone, I’m alone, shut the door

put the gun to my head,  I’m alone…

 

Yit-gadal v’yit-kadassh shmay raba

b’alma dee-vra che-ru-tay,

ve'yam-lich mal-chutay b'chai-yay-chon

uv'yo-may-chon uv-cha-yay  d’chol beit yisrael

Magnified, sanctified, God’s great name

in the world which He created to his will

He established His kingdom in our lifetime

and during the lifetime of Israel.

 

My heart is dead, so I mourn for my soul

in this dubious world left alone

screaming wounds from the bottomless pit

Are we left on this earth to atone?

 

ba-agala u'vitze-man ka-riv,

ve'imru amein.

Y'hay sh'may raba me'varach

le-alam uleh-almay alma-ya.

 

swiftly and soon

let us say, Amen

May G-d’s great name

be blessed for ever and ever.

 

Doth bequeath my joy sayeth the queen

I’ve walked and chose at the fork in the road

decide which way and live with the choice

while my mind is about to explode. 

 

Yit-barach v'yish-tabach, v'yit-pa-ar

v'yit-romam v'yit-nasay, v'yit-hadar

v'yit-aleh v'yit-halal sh'may d'koo-d'shah

b'rich hoo. layla meen lol beer-chata,

 

Blessed, glorified, honored and extolled,

adored and acclaimed be the name

of the Holy One, though God is beyond all

praises and songs of adoration.

 

though alone, still alone, is my theme

not quite sure why I feel so alone

I shiver and fear the regime,

in the desert of waterless time.

 

v'she-rata,

toosh-b'chata v'nay-ch'mata,

da-a meran b'alma,

ve'imru amein.

 

praise and

consolation that are

uttered in the world

now respond amen.

 

glory be

and save my soul

Can’t you see my dear Lord

I’m alone everyday.

 

Y'hay sh'lama raba meen sh'maya v'cha-yim

aleynu v'al kol Yisrael, ve'imru amein.

O'seh shalom beem-romav, hoo ya'ah-seh shalom

aleynu v'al kol Yisrael, ve'imru amein.

 

May there be abundant peace from Heaven, and life

upon us and upon all Israel, let us say amen.

He who makes peace in His Heights, may he make peace,

upon us and upon all Israel. Let us say, amen

 

Death be not proud on the edge of the bed

and promenade alongside, with my dread.

Father! I hardly knew thee, and

thy mother and sister now dead!

 

 

 

 

Author's Note

Something different...
Sometimes a poem just evolves...as this one did...
I was writing a chapter in my novel...and this appeared
I'm ok..and in a much better place than the author...

Reviews

[Sunni Davis]

Its so mournful and sad but very well written.

[Mockingbird]

although alone there is hope for better days to come. just have faith. excellent prayer.

[Holly Mason]

a little touch of the old sprinkled throughout
sending words that take time to read and grasp is a gift
Cynathia Freeman (fictional author) was one of my first looks into the Hebrew world
although a fictional writer her facts were true-she disclosed this
it taught me a few things -
enjoyed the words you have shared much
wasn't expecting and I really liked that
thank you for sharing

[Allen Smuckler]

I enjoy surprising, Holly. This kaddish is pretty much out of my comfort zone..but because I am so used to reading it (anniversary of the dead and upon a person's death)...I felt it time to , I don't know, fight back. Tell the angel of death" it's not my time.....not quite yet..." and I'm tired of reading the mourner's kaddish.
thanks for your thoughtful and insightful comments, Holly
they are always welcome and appreciated.
allen

[Sanjeeta Sharma Pokhar..]

Delighting...

[Allen Smuckler]

Thank you Sanjeeta
for reading and commenting
allen

[Leslie Philibert]

This is great, the kind of thing that fascinates and delights me. I know nothing about Hebrew, so this is a kind of introduction to me. The word Kaddish I know, but now I have had the chance to look at this. As I say, if you want to read good literature, there are no more impressive works than this, or the Qu`ran, or the Bible, or Hindu and Buddist texts, whatever your own belief is..

[Allen Smuckler]

It is a prayer I am all too familiar with Leslie...unfortunately...
I actually used to be able to read Hebrew...no more...now just the transliteration, Either way, it's a beautiful prayer. I just took it a step further...I hope I didn't diminish from the original or offend anyone of the faith. It was a take on my frustrations and fears...and yes loneliness not a reflection of the kaddish.
Thanks for reading and reacting...
allen

[Neva Flores Smith - Cha..]

definitely amazing.........so good to see you Allen

[Allen Smuckler]

Thanks Neva...Always great to hear from you and anytime I get an "amazing" from a writer of your caliber, it makes my day. Thanks for reading and commenting.
allen

[Neva Flores Smith - Changefulstorm]

xoxoxoxo

[Coyote Poetry]

A amazing poem. Thank you for the translation. Years ago I read this. It tell a deep and amazing tale to make you think and ponder.
Coyote

[Allen Smuckler]

Thanks Coyote,
I can always rely on you and Chris to be the first on board...
I always appreciate you reading and responding..
allen

[Coyote Poetry]

I research this for college in 1980. I like to study the old books. We can learn from the past.

[Allen Smuckler]

...at least we should